"Skin tumors" / The main symptom of high cholesterol that many do not notice, say well-known experts

Cholesterol that is not detected in time can seriously endanger health. Dr. Laura Purdy offered advice on what important symptoms of high cholesterol to look out for. She says that "cholesterol is a type of fat molecule that circulates in the bloodstream."

It usually comes from the breakdown of fat molecules in the digestive process, but some people may have genetic or other conditions that cause their bodies to keep higher-than-average amounts of cholesterol in their blood vessels.

She went on to explain that there are several different types of cholesterol, and they are often called "good" and "bad" cholesterol.

"Good cholesterol is another term for HDL, which means high-density lipoprotein. This particular type of cholesterol helps remove other harmful types of cholesterol from the body. to be checked because the risk of cardiovascular diseases would be prevented", explains the doctor.

This type of cholesterol can contribute to the formation of plaque in the arteries in our body, which can cause heart attacks and strokes. That's why it's important to understand the differences between the two types of cholesterol, especially when it comes to long-term health.

Skin tumors with cholesterol

"Some people who have high cholesterol will develop xanthomas, plaques or small cholesterol tumors that can be visible in certain parts of the body," says Dr. Purdy.

She adds that they "look like small, waxy, yellow lumps and are very often seen under the eyes, but they do not appear all over the body." Xanthomas are a physical manifestation of high cholesterol and people who have these types of small skin tumors should have a blood test.

Excessive obesity

Dr Purdy says that "obesity is very stressful for the body and causes several medical conditions, including high cholesterol".

"There is a much higher percentage of elevated cholesterol in overweight people than in non-obese people. "Children who are overweight or have a high BMI have blood tests as part of a routine annual check-up to determine their cholesterol levels," she adds.